Audiovisual device having open flame

ABSTRACT

The visual radiation emitted by an open flame is responsive to both the ambient magnetic field and ambient pressure. A device is disclosed which makes use of the above principles to produce a variable visual image responsive to the output of a standard radio or high fidelity loudspeaker.

[ Apr. 23, 1974 United States Patent [1 Allison AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE HAVING OPEN FLAME [76] Inventor:

Primary Examiner-Harold l. Pitts Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Townsend and Townsend ABSTRACT [22] Filed:

The visual radiation emitted by an open flame is responsive to both the ambient magnetic field and ambi- 340/366 ent pressure. A device is disclosed which makes use of "34 5 B 84/464 R the above principles to produce a variable visual image responsive to the output of a standard radio or high fidelity loudspeaker.

Field of Search...........

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 26 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 23 I974 FIG. 3

FlG 2 1 AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE HAVING OPEN FLAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for producing an exciting visual display directly from a standard loudspeaker requiring none of the above artifices, with a device that need not even be physically connected with the loudspeaker or its amplifier. Although many devices of the general nature of the present invention have been advanced, the fundamental concept of the present invention does not appear in the prior art.

The invention relates to a device for the production of visual images utilizing an open flame in proximity to a standard loudspeaker. A standard loudspeaker has a coil winding used to translate input electric signals into sound waves, and the coil winding sets up a magnetic field induced by the input electric signals. The visual radiation emitted by the open flame is responsive to this magnetic field, and thereby provides a visual display responsive to theloudspeaker. The sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker serve toenhance and amplify the visual display.

As well as demonstrating the basic concept, the present invention also provides methods for improving, enhancing and capturing the visual image. A compression shield having a pattern of pinpoint holes or slits therein can be partially disposed around the open flame. The

flame and shield can be located within a box having a reflective interior. The cross-section of the box can expand as the distance from the loudspeaker increases so that the visual image is reflected by the sides of the box onto a translucent screen at the large end of the box. The side of the box adjacent the loudspeaker can be comprised of'a visually reflective grid, and a conical member may extend through the grid to focus sound waves at the open flame. A Fresnel lens can be located on the exterior of the box covering the translucent screen to sharpen the appearance of the visual image when viewed from the exterior of the box.

Although numerous variations of the above construction are possible and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, the particular embodiment disclosed has been found preferable to obtain the most exciting and vivid imagery. The fuel for the open flame can be varied to change the imagery obtained, but a mixture of 4 parts lamp oil to 1 part has b'eniiiii'd to provide the most exciting visual display of those fuels tested. Care must be taken inthe selection of the fuel to avoid a fuel whose response is primarily outside the visual spectrum. 1

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purposeof illustration and description only and are not intended'as a definition of the limit's of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DRAWINGS.

, FIG. 1 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the invention as cut by a horizontal plane including the hottest part of the open flame.- FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a preferredembodiment of the shield used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view ofa second preferred embodiment of the shield of the present invention.

' DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1, a standard loudspeaker l0 and speaker cabinet 12 are illustrated. The speaker is driven by a coil winding'l4, which is connected by lead wires 16 to a high-fidelity amplifier or similar device used to drive a loudspeaker. An open 'flame 18 is placed'in frontof the loudspeaker 10 preferably with the hottest part of the flame coincident with the longitudinal axis of the coil winding 14.The open flame 18 may be located within a box 20-having a reflective inner surface. A gas burner (hidden) is preferably used to generate the flame 18,but a'candle or other mechanism could be used as well. The box may be lined with aluminum foil or other reflective material, or may be singularly constructed of reflective material. The sides of the box' 20 are tapered as illustrated to reflect any visual image from the open flame in the direction of a translucent screen 22 comprising the large end of the box. The translucent screen I may be constructed of doped silk material.

To prevent substantial direct illumination of the translucent screen 22 by the open flame 18, a shield 24 v is disposed partially around the open flame. The shield 24 also serves to direct sound waves emanating from the speaker 10 onto the open flame 18. To further focus the sound waves, conical members 26 and 28 are provided which have a large end adjacent the loudspeaker 10 and a small end adjacent the open flame 1 8. To facilitate the entrance of sound waves into the box 20, the side 30 of the box adjacent the loudspeaker 10 comprises a grid readily permeable to sound waves. This grid is preferably of polished aluminum to enhance the interiorreflective qualities of the box. However, other suitable materials will be apparent to those skilled in the art. To sharpen the visual image produced on the translucent screen 22, a Fresnel lens 32 may be disposed on the exterior surface of the box 20 covering the translucent screen 22.

Two preferred embodiments of the shield 24 are illustrated by way of reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2, a pattern of pinpoint holes 40 having approximately 1/32 inch diameter are constructed in a shieldmade of shim-stock brass. The pattern has a geometric center 42 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of coil 16, that also passes through the open flame 18. In FIG. 3, a pattern of narrow slits 44 in the shield 24 is illustrated. The slits 44 are approximately one-sixteenth inch wide, and three-eighths to one-half inch long. The shield, with the pinpoint holes or slits therein,-prevents substantial illumination of the translucent screen 22 by the open flame 18, but does allow a relatively small amount of direct illumination, and this small amount of direct illumination enhances the visual imagery.

The invention is understood to operate basically as follows, but the following is not intended as a complete description of the phenomenology involved. The visual radiation emitted by the open flame 18 is responsive to the ambient magnetic field (this is the so-called Zeeman" effect). In a loudspeaker of the type illustrated herein, a coil winding 14 is used to drive a diaphragm (not shown). Theoretically, such a coil winding induces a magnetic field caused by the electrical signals passed therethrough. Hence, the magnetic field is responsive to the input electrical signals, and the magnetic field in turn controls the visual radiation from the open flame. This response appears to be in terms of both frequency and intensity, with the frequency affecting the apparent color of the visual radiation, and the intensity reflecting the magnitude of the image.

The magnetic phenomenon described above appears to be enhanced by the sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker 10. The sound waves affect the ambient pressure in the vicinity of the open flame l and thereby control the size and shape of that flame. The changes in shape, size, and resultant intensity of the flame due to the sound waves all add to the visual imagery produced.

Various combustible mixtures result in different visual imagery, since differences in the chemical oxidation reactions affect the radiation spectrum of the flame. In the present invention, different mixtures may be used to achieve different visual patterns. A mixture of 4 parts lamp oil to l Piljttifillfltllftil alcohol provides a very vivid orange and yellow spectrum, and also seems more responsive and sensitive to lessersound impulses. However, the possible mixtures which can be used in the present invention to provide various exciting imagery are virtually limitless. Due to the infancy of the state of the art of the present invention, it is apparent that persons acquainting themselves with this art will perceive various means of altering the preferred embodiment illustrated herein to achieve various objectives. For example, the embodiment of the present invention illustrated has been described as comprising a box including a screen, but it is obviousthat no such screen or-box need form a specific part of the invention, and that the image may be merely directed onto a wall. This and other modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Whatl claim as new is: l. A device for the production of visual images from an electric signal input comprising:

means for producing an open flame; and means for creating a magnetic field responsive to electric signals input to said magnetic field creating means overlying said flame, wherein said magnetic field will provide usually observable variations in said flame responsively to said electric signal input.

2. A device as recited in claim 1 and additionally comprising a screen adapted to receive a visual image from the open flame responsive to the electric signal input by receiving the visual radiation from the open flame on said screen.

3. A device asrecited in claim 2 and additionally comprising a shield interposed between the open flame and the screen to prevent substantial direct illumination of the screen by visual radiation from the open flame, and means for reflecting visual radiation from the open flame onto the screen.

4. A device as recited in claim 3 wherein at least one small aperture is formed in the shield to allow passage of a relatively small amount of visual radiation from the open flame directly to the screen.

5. An audiovisual device comprising:

an acoustic speaker having a coil winding to transform electric signals into sound waves by means of a diaphragm:

an open flame located substantially along the longitudinal axis of the coil winding; and

a chamber substantially surrounding the open flame, said chamber having an interior at least partially comprised of reflective material to reflect light from said flame onto a section of said chamber constructed of translucent material.

6. A device as recited in claim 5 wherein the portion of the chamber adjacent the acoustic speaker comprises a visually reflective grid to facilitate passage of sound waves from the acoustic speaker to the interior of the chamber.

7. A device as recited in claim 5 and additionally comprising a cone located in front of the acoustic speaker, said cone having a large end adjacent the speaker and a small end adjacent the open flame to focus sound waves from said speaker at said open flame.

8. A device as recited in claim 5 and additionally comprising a shield partially disposed about the open flame to prevent substantial direct illumination of the section of said chamber constructed of translucent material by the open flame.

9. A device as recited in claim 8 wherein the shield has a pattern of apertures therethrough to allow a relatively small amount of direct illumination of the translucent material by the open flame.

10. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 5 wherein the cross-section of the chamber increases as the distance from the acoustic speaker increases.

11. An audiovisual device for the creation of visual images from a standard loudspeaker comprising:

a box adapted to be placed in front of a loudspeaker, said box having a visually reflective interior, and wherein at least the side of the box adapted to be placed opposite the loudspeaker comprises a translucent screen; and

an open flame located within the box and emitting visual radiation responsive to the loudspeaker, whereby a visual image is produced on the translucent screen responsive to the loudspeaker.

12. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 wherein the side of the box adapted to be placed adjacent the loudspeaker comprises a non-ferrous visually reflective grid having openings theret hrough to facilitate the passage of sound waves from'the loudspeaker to the interior of the box.

13. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 and additionally comprising a conical member projecting through the side of the box adapted to be placed adjacent the loudspeaker, said conical member having a large end adjacent the loudspeaker and a small end adjacent the open flame to focus sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker at the. open flame.

14. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 13 and additionally comprising a second conical member located interior to the first conical member and coaxial therewith, said second member adapted to enhance focusing of sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker at the open flame.

15. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 and additionally comprising a shield interposed between the open flame and the translucent screen to prevent substantial direct illumination of the screen by the open flame.

16. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 and additionally comprising a Fresnel lens on the exterior surface of the box covering the translucent screen.

17. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 wherein the translucent screen is constructed of doped silk material.

18. A device for the production of a visual image from a standard loudspeaker comprising:

a burner adapted to oxidize a combustible material,

saidburner adapted to be placed in front of a standard loudspeaker; and

a shield partly disposed about the oxidation area of the burner opposite the loudspeaker to focus sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker on said oxidation area whereby a sharp visual image responsive to the loudspeaker is produced by the oxidation of the combustible material. 19. A device as recited in claim 18 wherein the combustible material is a mixture comprising approximately 4 parts lamp oil to 1 part denatured alcohol.

26./X deace as recited iri claim i wherein the shield has at least one pinpoint hole therethrough.

21. A device as recited in claim 20 and comprising a plurality of pinpoint holes through the shield, said plurality of pinpoint holes forming a pattern having a geometric center coincident with a line including the center of the loudspeaker and the center of the oxidation area.

22. A device as recited in claim 18 wherein at least one narrow slit is formed in the shield.

23. A device as recited in claim 22 wherein a plurality of narrow slits are formed through the shield in a preselected pattern.

24. A device as recited in claim 18 wherein the shield is constructed of copper shim-stock.

25. A device as recited in claim 18 and additionally comprising a screen adapted to receive the produced visual image.

26. A device as recited in claim 18 and additionally comprising a box substantially enclosing the burner and shield, said box including a translucent screen adapted to receive the visual image thereon, and further including a slanted reflective interior adapted to reflect the visual image on the translucent screen. 

1. A device for the production of visual images from an electric signal input comprising: means for producing an open flame; and means for creating a magnetic field responsive to electric signals input to said magnetic field creating means overlying said flame, wherein said magnetic field will provide usually observable variations in said flame responsively to said electric signal input.
 2. A device as recited in claim 1 and additionally comprising a screen adapted to receive a visual image from the open flame responsive to the electric signal input by receiving the visual radiation from the open flame on said screen.
 3. A device as recited in claim 2 and additionally comprising a shield interposed between the open flame and the screen to prevent substantial direct illumination of the screen by visual radiation from the open flame, and means for reflecting visual radiation from the open flame onto the screen.
 4. A device as recited in claim 3 wherein at least one small aperture is formed in the shield to allow passage of a relatively small amount of visual radiation from the open flame directly to the screen.
 5. An audiovisual device comprising: an acoustic speaker having a coil winding to transform electric signals into sound waves by means of a diaphragm: an open flame located substantially along the longitudinal axis of the coil winding; and a chamber substantially surrounding the open flame, said chamber having an interior at least partially comprised of reflective material to reflect light from said flame onto a section of said chamber constructed of translucent material.
 6. A device as recited in claim 5 wherein the portion of the chamber adjacent the acoustic speaker comprises a visually reflective grid to facilitate passage of sound waves from the acoustic speaker to the interior of the chamber.
 7. A device as recited in claim 5 and additionally comprising a cone located in front of the acoustic speaker, said cone having a Large end adjacent the speaker and a small end adjacent the open flame to focus sound waves from said speaker at said open flame.
 8. A device as recited in claim 5 and additionally comprising a shield partially disposed about the open flame to prevent substantial direct illumination of the section of said chamber constructed of translucent material by the open flame.
 9. A device as recited in claim 8 wherein the shield has a pattern of apertures therethrough to allow a relatively small amount of direct illumination of the translucent material by the open flame.
 10. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 5 wherein the cross-section of the chamber increases as the distance from the acoustic speaker increases.
 11. An audiovisual device for the creation of visual images from a standard loudspeaker comprising: a box adapted to be placed in front of a loudspeaker, said box having a visually reflective interior, and wherein at least the side of the box adapted to be placed opposite the loudspeaker comprises a translucent screen; and an open flame located within the box and emitting visual radiation responsive to the loudspeaker, whereby a visual image is produced on the translucent screen responsive to the loudspeaker.
 12. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 wherein the side of the box adapted to be placed adjacent the loudspeaker comprises a non-ferrous visually reflective grid having openings therethrough to facilitate the passage of sound waves from the loudspeaker to the interior of the box.
 13. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 and additionally comprising a conical member projecting through the side of the box adapted to be placed adjacent the loudspeaker, said conical member having a large end adjacent the loudspeaker and a small end adjacent the open flame to focus sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker at the open flame.
 14. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 13 and additionally comprising a second conical member located interior to the first conical member and coaxial therewith, said second member adapted to enhance focusing of sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker at the open flame.
 15. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 and additionally comprising a shield interposed between the open flame and the translucent screen to prevent substantial direct illumination of the screen by the open flame.
 16. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 and additionally comprising a Fresnel lens on the exterior surface of the box covering the translucent screen.
 17. An audiovisual device as recited in claim 11 wherein the translucent screen is constructed of doped silk material.
 18. A device for the production of a visual image from a standard loudspeaker comprising: a burner adapted to oxidize a combustible material, said burner adapted to be placed in front of a standard loudspeaker; and a shield partly disposed about the oxidation area of the burner opposite the loudspeaker to focus sound waves emanating from the loudspeaker on said oxidation area whereby a sharp visual image responsive to the loudspeaker is produced by the oxidation of the combustible material.
 19. A device as recited in claim 18 wherein the combustible material is a mixture comprising approximately 4 parts lamp oil to 1 part denatured alcohol.
 20. A device as recited in claim 18 wherein the shield has at least one pinpoint hole therethrough.
 21. A device as recited in claim 20 and comprising a plurality of pinpoint holes through the shield, said plurality of pinpoint holes forming a pattern having a geometric center coincident with a line including the center of the loudspeaker and the center of the oxidation area.
 22. A device as recited in claim 18 wherein at least one narrow slit is formed in the shield.
 23. A device as recited in claim 22 wherein a plurality of narrow slits are formed through the shield in a preselected pattern.
 24. A device as recited in claim 18 wherein the shield Is constructed of copper shim-stock.
 25. A device as recited in claim 18 and additionally comprising a screen adapted to receive the produced visual image.
 26. A device as recited in claim 18 and additionally comprising a box substantially enclosing the burner and shield, said box including a translucent screen adapted to receive the visual image thereon, and further including a slanted reflective interior adapted to reflect the visual image on the translucent screen. 